Police appeal for release of boy

POLICE made an emotional plea to Sobi Roa’s kidnappers yesterday for his safe return.
The 14-year-old was taken and threatened with death unless counting stopped immediately for the Enga provincial seat.
“Just think, what if someone took away your son or daughter, hold them hostage and issue death threats – you will be very sad and crying. The same is happening to the Roa family,” provincial police comman­der Supt Martin Lakari said.
He said the boy’s fami­ly was now in mourning at their home at Premiers Hill in Wabag town.
The kidnap of the Grade 8 student on Monday afternoon forced the stoppage of the counting for the Enga provincial seat as demanded.
The kidnappers threatened to kill the boy if counting did not stop immediately.
Roa is the son of Enga’s returning officer Cleapas.
Lakari again appealed to the kidnappers and the public yesterday, saying:  “The boy is innocent. He is a student and needs to return to class when it starts next week after the counting.”
He appealed to the public for any information of the boy or any sightings since he was taken from Premiers Hill on Monday at about 4pm.
Two hours later, the boy was made to call his father briefly to say he was held hostage and if the counting did not stop immediately he would be killed.
Lakari said despite the kidnapping and death threat, counting for the regional seat resumed yesterday morning.
Police said if anyone had any information about who would be holding the boy hostage or where, they should come forward and help the police. 
 The boy has not made any further calls to his father.
Police had set up road blocks and checked vehicles and Lakari said they would not rest until they found Sobi.
He believed that majority of Engans were peace-loving and would help police find the boy.